Over the past few years, our non-stipendiary minister, Rev. Dr. Edward Combe, has been studying and reflecting upon the sermons of the 19th century Anglican preacher, Rev. Charles Simeon. As a result of his study and reflection, Edward has published a series of books, one of which: 40 Meditations on the Litany in Words Selected from the Sermons of Charles Simeon, is a timely resource as we observe the season of Lent. Included below is an explanation of Edward’s work and a link to a sample chapter.
Too often we are inclined to forget or ignore the spiritual riches that we have inherited from many centuries of Christian thinking. As Anglicans, we have a “goodly heritage” of spiritual resources from preachers and writers of the past. Why not consider using some of these resources in the forthcoming season of Lent?
One Anglican, who perhaps has not received the recognition that he should, is Charles Simeon. In a remarkable ministry in the Church of England, he was minister of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge for 54 years, until his death in 1836. In his early years of ministry, he faced substantial opposition to his Gospel ministry. For example the church wardens on occasions locked the church to keep him out! But in God’s strength he persevered. In addition to his parish ministry, he helped many students come to faith in Christ. Hundreds of these students entered the ministry of the church. In those days, there were no seminaries in England, and Simeon was described as a “one-man seminary.” He was also involved with many missionary societies, which are still active to this day.
Simeon is perhaps best known for his sermons. Before his death, he published 21 volumes of sermon “skeletons,” entitled Horae Homileticae. He was convinced that sermons should (1) humble the sinner, (2) exalt the Savior and (3) promote holiness.
In the past few years I have been studying and analyzing these sermons (2,536 in number). These works are a gold mine of spiritual truths. But it would take almost seven years to complete the task of reading one each day.
To make Simeon’s works more available, I have published (through Amazon) a number of books of extracts from the 2,536 sermons. One of these is entitled 40 Meditations on the Litany in Words Selected from the Sermons of Charles Simeon.
Linked here is a copy of the meditations for Day 30. If you do use these in Lent, note that for some people there may be too much material. If that is the case, leave some of the material for another season. Don’t let this book be your master; treat it as a servant!
And may we all be humble before God; may we exalt the Savior in our words and deeds; may we strive in God’s strength to be holy.
SOLI DEO GLORIA
Edward Combe